What You Need to Know About Food Expiration Dates – When to Eat, When to Toss (Spoiler: Most Food Lasts Longer Than You Think!)

These terms are not regulated the same way, and none of them are federally required (except for infant formula). Here’s what they actually mean:

“Best if Used By”

The manufacturer’s suggestion for peak flavor and quality.

✅

Still safe to eat after this date!

“Use By”

The last date recommended for best quality — not safety.

⚠️ Often found on perishables like meat or dairy, but still not a hard stop.

“Sell By”

A guide for stores — tells retailers how long to display the product.

❌ Not for consumers — your food is fine after this date!

📌 Bottom line: These are manufacturer suggestions, not government-mandated safety cutoffs.

🥛 How Long Food Actually Lasts (Past the Date!)

Here’s a quick guide to help you trust your senses — not just the label.

🥚 Eggs

“Sell By” date: Good for 3–5 weeks after purchase.

✅ Test: Place in water — if it sinks, it’s fresh; if it floats, toss it.

🥛 Milk

“Use By” date: Safe 5–7 days after opening, even if past the printed date.

✅ Smell & taste test: Sour = spoiled. Still sweet? You’re good.

🧀 Cheese (Hard)

Cheddar, Parmesan, etc.: Can last months in the fridge.

✅ Mold? Cut off 1 inch around it — rest is safe!

Soft cheeses (like Brie): More sensitive — toss if moldy or smells off.

🍗 Meat & Poultry

“Use By” date: Raw meat lasts 1–2 days past date in fridge; freeze for longer storage.

✅ Check: Slimy texture or sour smell = time to toss.

🍘 Yogurt & Sour Cream

Safe 1–2 weeks past “Best if Used By” date.

✅ If no mold and it smells normal — eat it!

🍝 Bread

Stale ≠ spoiled. Dry bread is still safe — toast it!

Moldy? Toss the whole loaf — mold spreads invisibly.

🍱 Canned Goods

Low-acid cans (beans, veggies): Up to 2–5 years

High-acid (tomatoes, fruit): Up to 18 months

✅ Dented or bulging cans? Toss immediately — risk of botulism.

🍪 Pantry Staples (Pasta, Rice, Flour)

Last 1–2 years past printed date if stored properly.

Bugs or rancid smell? Then it’s time to go.

👃 The Best Tool You Have: Your Senses

Forget the date. Ask yourself:

Smell it: Off odor? Toss it.

Look at it: Mold, discoloration, slime?

Taste it (if safe): Sour or bitter? Spit it out.

Your nose and eyes are better food-safety tools than any label.

🛑 Exceptions: When to Take Dates Seriously

While most foods are safe past their date, these few are different: